Letting Agents Advice

RDB

Can anyone advise me on choosing the right letting agent.

I need one for various reasons.

My property is empty at the moment but have someone in mind who wants to move in soon.

I am looking for a letting agent to just act as the landlord take care of the Tenancy Agreement and thats about it.

Is it best to choose a local one or would a national one be just as good?

Whats involved, do I have to sign a contract and for how long? In the future could I just manage the place myself?

Do I need to meet the Letting agent or can it all be done over phone, internet and post?

If any Letting agents read this and can offer me services please get in touch.

inmypocketnottheirs

I would personally do this myself, if I knew the potential tenant. However, I would first of all have them credit reference checked by using https://www.letsure.co.uk. Have a look round the website and see what suits you best. Basically IMHO for what you want using an agent is just going to charge you at least a couple of hundred quid for something you can do your self. Another reference point is https://www.landlordzone.co.uk.

HTH

RDB

Thanks but everyone says just do it yourself but im going to be out of the country. so i need one.

inmypocketnottheirs

Reading your 1st post you mention about managing yourself. If you are leaving the country that would not be a good idea. Best just pick a local established letting agency.

BrixMorta

Use a local Letting Agent who is a member of ARLA and or the NAEA that way they will have to have client money protection and a minimum standard of competence. Ask if they have any recent testimonials they can show you.

Usually there are 3 levels of service on offer.

1. Tenant introduction only (They will find and reference a tenant & you will collect the rent and manage the tenancy)
2. Rent collection (They will find tenant and collect rent you will manage the tenancy)
3. Full management (They will do pretty much everything within reason)

You will sign the agents T & C’s (Terms & Conditions) which would usually apply to the duration of the tenancy. When the tenant leaves you can usually change the service level provided you give the agent adequate notice.

RDB

Thanks

the agent who offers me exactly what I want is not a member of those but is a member of FSB, is that any good.

The agent is http://www.awservices.uk.com/

but Im not so sure about them, they offer me whatever I ask them even though most say it cant be done.

inmypocketnottheirs

FSB membership means diddly squat. Basically what it gives them as a member is a legal helpline should they have any problems and an insurance against tax investigation. From a clients point of view FSB carries no weight. They will accept anyone who pays thier subscription.

Much better to go with ARLA or NAEA. These are both professional bodies that have codes of conduct for their members. You are trusting what is probably you most valuable asset, don't just hand it to any old Thomas, Richard or Harold!

cats!

Also, get cover for your boiler and central heating etc. so the tenant can make a call themselves if anything packs up! Agents squeeze extra money out of you with "repairs"!